MOORHEAD, Minn. — The Hamline University basketball team fell to No. 24 nationally ranked Concordia College–Moorhead, 67-62, on Saturday, despite forcing 21 turnovers and tallying 19 fast-break points.
The first quarter began with Concordia College–Moorhead taking an early lead through a 3-pointer by Taylor Safranski at 9:26.
Lauren Cooper tied the game for the Pipers with a fastbreak 3-pointer at 6:03, assisted by
Emma Lamppa.
Sophie Stork put the Pipers ahead with another fastbreak 3-pointer at 3:58, assisted by Cooper. Kaia Gack responded for Concordia, scoring five consecutive points, including a 3-pointer at 2:43, to regain the lead. The quarter concluded with
Josie Wiebusch's fastbreak layup at 0:06, tying the score at 8-8.
In a closely contested second quarter, Hamline narrowly outpaced Concordia, 15-14. The period featured a strong defensive effort, highlighted by Wiebusch blocking a layup attempt at 9:43. Cooper connected on a 3-pointer at 5:43, assisted by
Marina LaFreniere, to bring the visitors within one point. Stork then sank another 3-pointer with 41 seconds left, assisted by
Evelyn Wiltrout, to give the Pipers a narrow lead.
During the third quarter, Maya Metcalf of Concordia took charge early, scoring consecutive layups within the first minute, with assists from Genevieve Gruba, to help establish a 24-23 lead. The Pipers responded with
Anna Rynkiewich's fast-break layup at 8:34, but Metcalf extended Concordia's advantage again shortly after. Stork hit a crucial 3-pointer at 2:55, narrowing the deficit to 38-36.
Josie Schmidt leveled the score with a layup at 0:47, capping the quarter at 38-38, despite missing the subsequent free throw.
In the final quarter, Concordia capitalized on free throws to edge out Hamline, concluding with a 67-62 victory.
Camille Cummings of Hamline was pivotal, contributing early with two successful free throws at 9:36 and later a 3-pointer at 8:54, which helped the Pipers maintain a slim advantage. However, Concordia's Musland scored crucial points, including a jumper at 1:16, to regain the lead. Despite a late surge by Hamline, including a 3-pointer from Cummings with 6 seconds remaining, Concordia secured the win with two free throws by Safranski as the clock expired.
Schmidt led with 12 points, while also recording seven steals and four assists. Stork netted 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and added seven rebounds. Rynkiewich contributed 10 points and collected four rebounds, along with three steals. Cooper scored 10 points and dished out four assists.
The Pipers will be at Bethel on Wednesday, February 11 for a 7 PM tipoff!
